To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Fellow Citizens—I am in your section of Virginia in obedience to the legally consti-
tuted authorities thereof, with the view of protecting this section of the state from invasion
by foreign forces, and to protect the people in the full enjoyment of their rights, civil reli-
gious and political. In the performance of my duties I shall endeavor to exercise every
charitable forbearance, as I have heretofore done. I shall not enquire whether any citizen
of Virginia voted for or against the ordinance of secession. My only enquiry shall and will
be, as to who are the enemies of our mother—the Commonwealth of Virginia. My duty
impels me now to say to all that citizens of the Commonwealth will at all times be
protected by me, and those under my command. Those who array themselves against the
State will be treated as her enemies, according to the laws thereof.

Virginians! allow me to appeal to you, in the name of our common mother, to stand by
the voice of your State, and to defend her against all enemies, and especially to repel inva-
sion from any and every quarter. Those who reside within the State, who invite invasion,
or who in any manner assist, aid, or abet invaders, will be treated as enemies to Virginia.
I trust that no Virginian, whether native born or adopted, will refuse to defend his State
and his brothers against invasion or injury. Virginians! be true, and in due time your
common mother will come to your relief.

Already many of you have rallied to the support of the honor of your State and the
maintenance of your liberties. Will you continue to be freemen, or will you submit to be
slaves? Are you capable of governing yourselves? Will you allow the people of other
States to govern you? Have you forgotten the precepts of Madison and Jefferson? Re-
member that the price of liberty is “eternal vigilance!” Virginia has not made war! War
has been made upon her and her time honored principles. Shall she be vindicated in her
efforts to maintain the liberties of her people, or shall she bow her head in submission to
tyranny and oppression? It seems to me that the true friend of rational liberty cannot hesi-
tate. Strike for your State ! Strike for your liberties! Rally! rally at once to the de-
fense of your mother!

This item is owned by the Jasper County Public Library. Permission to publish or reproduce this item is required and must be obtained from the Director of the Jasper County Public Library, Rensselaer, Indiana. Please visit www.myjcpl.org for more information.

Fellow Citizens—I am in your section of Virginia in obedience to the legally consti-
tuted authorities thereof, with the view of protecting this section of the state from invasion
by foreign forces, and to protect the people in the full enjoyment of their rights, civil reli-
gious and political. In the performance of my duties I shall endeavor to exercise every
charitable forbearance, as I have heretofore done. I shall not enquire whether any citizen
of Virginia voted for or against the ordinance of secession. My only enquiry shall and will
be, as to who are the enemies of our mother—the Commonwealth of Virginia. My duty
impels me now to say to all that citizens of the Commonwealth will at all times be
protected by me, and those under my command. Those who array themselves against the
State will be treated as her enemies, according to the laws thereof.

Virginians! allow me to appeal to you, in the name of our common mother, to stand by
the voice of your State, and to defend her against all enemies, and especially to repel inva-
sion from any and every quarter. Those who reside within the State, who invite invasion,
or who in any manner assist, aid, or abet invaders, will be treated as enemies to Virginia.
I trust that no Virginian, whether native born or adopted, will refuse to defend his State
and his brothers against invasion or injury. Virginians! be true, and in due time your
common mother will come to your relief.

Already many of you have rallied to the support of the honor of your State and the
maintenance of your liberties. Will you continue to be freemen, or will you submit to be
slaves? Are you capable of governing yourselves? Will you allow the people of other
States to govern you? Have you forgotten the precepts of Madison and Jefferson? Re-
member that the price of liberty is “eternal vigilance!” Virginia has not made war! War
has been made upon her and her time honored principles. Shall she be vindicated in her
efforts to maintain the liberties of her people, or shall she bow her head in submission to
tyranny and oppression? It seems to me that the true friend of rational liberty cannot hesi-
tate. Strike for your State ! Strike for your liberties! Rally! rally at once to the de-
fense of your mother!

G. A. PORTERFIELD,
Colonel of Volunteers Commanding

File Size

339.933 KB

Rights

This item is owned by the Jasper County Public Library. Permission to publish or reproduce this item is required and must be obtained from the Director of the Jasper County Public Library, Rensselaer, Indiana. Please visit www.myjcpl.org for more information.